Oral History Topic: The Korean War Interview Subject: Saemok Lee (Hawoon's Grandfather)
Korean War Interview Questions-Translated into English
1. Where were you on June 25th, 1950?
On June 25th, 1950, I was in the church that I just built in Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do.
2.What information was kept a secret but revealed later?
We were untold that the South Korean government destroyed the Han River Bridge to not let any North Korean troops in, but this hurt the South Korean refugees who were trying to flee.
3. How did you found out about this war?
I heard it over the national KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) radio. I remember the anchor saying, "Today, June 25th, 1950 at 4 a.m, we were encountered a surprise attack from the North Korean troops."
4. How old were you?
I was 29 years old at the time of the beginning of the Korean war.
5. How did you feel about the Soviet Union helping North Korea in creating a Communist government?
The fact that part of our nation was trying to build a communist government meant that it was not united. It was a sad thing to fight against your own people and it was upsetting to think that someone was supporting the discord between our nation
6. Which army (Soviet Union or United States) was perceived inferior in the Korea War.
The North Korean troops were stronger because they had highly developed weapons that were supported by the Russians and they led a surprise attack. For us, we were in the process of building up an army, all the weapons we had were guns that were left behind by the Japanese soldiers.
7. How did you feel about the United States aiding South Korea in creating a noncommunist government?
I was thankful that they helped out South Korea because our troops were not ready for this war, but it was sad to think that we needed help be because we were not strong enough. It was upsetting to see how people were taken control of under a foreign military power.
8. Did you agree with General MacArthur landing United Nations forces at Inchon, surrounding the North Koreans at the beginning of the war?
All of our military tactics were kept a secret so the people did not know about this plan to surround the North Koreans at Inchon.
9. How did you feel about the Korean War ending in a stalemate and not resolving the 38th parallel boundary between North and South Korea?
I think it was the best thing to do at that time although the problem was yet to be solved because of all the death it cause and our troops were worn out.
10. How did the Korean War affect your family and other families on the homefront?
It affected other families tremendously because we (Korea) had been freed by Japan not that long ago so as they left, they took everything of our possession. The families had to live in horrible conditions because all the supplies were being sent out in the war and they had nothing. In my family's case, both my wife's side and my side were, thankfully, in good condition so the war didn't have an impact on us too much.
Interview Subject: Saemok Lee (Hawoon's Grandfather)
Korean War Interview Questions-Translated into English
1. Where were you on June 25th, 1950?
On June 25th, 1950, I was in the church that I just built in Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do.
2.What information was kept a secret but revealed later?
We were untold that the South Korean government destroyed the Han River Bridge to not let any North Korean troops in, but this hurt the South Korean refugees who were trying to flee.
3. How did you found out about this war?
I heard it over the national KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) radio. I remember the anchor saying, "Today, June 25th, 1950 at 4 a.m, we were encountered a surprise attack from the North Korean troops."
4. How old were you?
I was 29 years old at the time of the beginning of the Korean war.
5. How did you feel about the Soviet Union helping North Korea in creating a Communist government?
The fact that part of our nation was trying to build a communist government meant that it was not united. It was a sad thing to fight against your own people and it was upsetting to think that someone was supporting the discord between our nation
6. Which army (Soviet Union or United States) was perceived inferior in the Korea War.
The North Korean troops were stronger because they had highly developed weapons that were supported by the Russians and they led a surprise attack. For us, we were in the process of building up an army, all the weapons we had were guns that were left behind by the Japanese soldiers.
7. How did you feel about the United States aiding South Korea in creating a noncommunist government?
I was thankful that they helped out South Korea because our troops were not ready for this war, but it was sad to think that we needed help be because we were not strong enough. It was upsetting to see how people were taken control of under a foreign military power.
8. Did you agree with General MacArthur landing United Nations forces at Inchon, surrounding the North Koreans at the beginning of the war?
All of our military tactics were kept a secret so the people did not know about this plan to surround the North Koreans at Inchon.
9. How did you feel about the Korean War ending in a stalemate and not resolving the 38th parallel boundary between North and South Korea?
I think it was the best thing to do at that time although the problem was yet to be solved because of all the death it cause and our troops were worn out.
10. How did the Korean War affect your family and other families on the homefront?
It affected other families tremendously because we (Korea) had been freed by Japan not that long ago so as they left, they took everything of our possession. The families had to live in horrible conditions because all the supplies were being sent out in the war and they had nothing. In my family's case, both my wife's side and my side were, thankfully, in good condition so the war didn't have an impact on us too much.